Experience
There are plenty of opportunities outside of the conference to explore the vibrant culture of San Francisco network and create lasting friendships. Bring your family and enjoy both the beautiful setting and the unique events.
Hotel
Le Méridien San Francisco is a luxury hotel located in the heart of San Francisco's Financial District. The hotel is connected by a landscaped pedestrian bridge to the historic Federal Reserve Building, and the shops, entertainment, and cafés of the dynamic Embarcadero Center. Le Méridien is also steps away from San Francisco’s main leisure attractions such as Chinatown and the California Street cable cars, with easy access to Fisherman's Wharf and Ghirardelli Square. (From www.starwoodhotels.com)
Anchor Brewing
It’s more than just a dinner. It’s an opportunity to experience the passion one of the original Small Giants brings to their livelihood while enjoying great San Francisco cuisine and the opportunity to build intimate and rewarding relationships with your fellow Summit attendees. This event is open to partners and spouses. Visit the Anchor Brewing Co. website for more information.
Small Giants Bash II and Cruise on the Bay
Our day concludes with an evening cruise on San Francisco Bay. Featuring a hand selected buffet and the kind of views that end up as artwork and movie backdrops in Sean Connery films, you’ll also enjoy live entertainment and the chance to see more of the personal side that Small Giants pour into their businesses. This event is open to attendees and partners only.Extracurricular Activites
Bring the family! San Francisco is a melting pot of culture coupled with scenic views found nowhere else on the west coast. San Francisco great ethnic diversity inspires amazing examples of art, architecture, shopping and dining that will inspire and captivate any visitor. San Francisco offers several great local attractions:
Alcatraz Tour
Alcatraz Island is a 25-acre island located just 1 1/4-miles from San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf. Best known as the infamous and notorious former federal prison - home to the likes of Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelley, and Robert "The Birdman" Stroud. From 1933 to 1963, the Federal Bureau of Prisons used the facility as a maximum security prison. It was closed in 1963 due to its expense.Available to visitors: The Cell House, Exhibits, Protected Bird Sanctuary, Audio headset tour and Museum
The Alcatraz departs on a ferry from Pier 33. The ferry across the San Francisco Bay takes about 10 minutes. This is a popular tourist attraction. Reserve your tickets as early as possible! Like, now.
TCHO Chocolate Factory Tour
The TCHO Factory experience includes a presentation and factory tour with the most knowledgeable and entertaining chocolate experts in town, as well as an in-depth guided tasting of our flavor-driven, artisan chocolate. The tour lasts about an hour.Learn everything you ever wanted to know about the history of chocolate, their unique TCHOSource program of direct training and investments in cocoa farmers, and how we manufacture our New American Chocolate from scratch right here in San Francisco.
Public tours run twice daily at 10:30 am and 2 pm, 7 days a week*. The tour is free, but space is limited and reservations are strongly recommended. (From www.tcho.com)
Exploratorium
Combining art, science and education, the Exploratorium is a one-of-a-kind facility that provides an enthralling educational, entertaining and fascinating experience. Re-discover science in your space by participating in this event.Aquarium of the Bay – Explore the magic, beauty and wonder of San Francisco Bay at Aquarium of the Bay. Your visit will take you through three main exhibit areas that display the amazing riches that lie beneath the surface of the San Francisco Bay and surrounding waters. (From www.exploratorium.edu)
Muir Woods / Marin County
The park's award-winning trails are recognized for their accessibility, providing visitors with an easy walk on paved trails or boardwalks through the Woods. Other trails to the ridge tops offer a more strenuous experience for avid hikers. In the light gaps beneath the redwood trees are red alders, California big leaf maples, tanoaks, and Douglas fir. The forest floor is covered in redwood sorrel, ferns, fungi, duff and debris. Several bridges cross Redwood Creek which flows through the park year-round. Wildlife residents include the endangered coho salmon fingerlings, Pacific wren, woodpeckers, owls, deer, chipmunks, skunks, river otters and squirrels to name a few. (From www.nps.gov)
Aquarium of the Bay - Pier 39
Aquarium of the Bay is San Francisco Bay’s Aquarium. Passionate about providing fun and unforgettable encounters with our natural world in ways that ignite both wonder and conservation. They do this from their 50,000 square foot building at the heart of San Francisco's history and culture. Aquarium of the Bay also owns a research vessel and partner with several boat fleets to take their conservation, education and research out on the Bay. Aquarium of the Bay is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and certified as a Green Business by the city of San Francisco. (From aquariumofthebay.org).
